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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-2015 ARC Draft Minutes of 04-20-15DRAFT SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES April 20, 2015 ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Patricia Andreen, Amy Nemcik, Allen Root, Angela Soll, Vice-Chair Suzan Ehdaie, and Chairperson Greg Wynn Absent: Commissioner Ken Curtis Staff: Senior Planner Phil Dunsmore, Assistant Planner Walter Oetzell, and Recording Secretary Erica Inderlied ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as presented. MINUTES: Minutes of April 6, 2015, were approved as amended. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: There were no comments from the public. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. 1128 Morro Street. ARCH-0549-2014; Review of request to construct a four-story hotel addition over the existing parking lot at the rear of the Granada Hotel with a categorical exemption from CEQA; C-D-H zone; Lunacy Club, LLC, applicant. On motion by Commr. Andreen, seconded by Commr. Root, to continue the item to May 4, 2015, to allow the applicant team to provide more information on the revised plans. AYES: Commrs. Andreen, Ehdaie, Nemcik, Root, Soll, Wynn NOES: None RECUSED: None ABSENT: Commr. Curtis The motion passed on a 6:0 vote. 2. 1234 Broad Street. ARCH-0856-2015; Review of façade remodel for brewery, restaurant, and retail lease spaces, with a categorical exemption from CEQA; C-D zone; 1234 Broad Street, LLC, applicant. Draft ARC Minutes April 20, 2015 Page 2 Walter Oetzell, Senior Planner, presented the staff report, recommending that the Commission adopt a resolution granting final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to conditions which he outlined. Eric Newton, SLO, applicant representative, summarized the history of the project and the revisions made to the proposal subsequent to previous review. In response to inquiry from Commr. Andreen, Dustin Pires, Arroyo Grande, applicant representative, clarified that ground-level windows are intended to be transparent, while upper-story windows are intended to be opaque glass. In response to inquiry from Commr. Root, Dustin Pires clarified that potted landscaping is proposed due to lack of available ground space. In response to inquiry from Commr. Nemcik, Pires clarified that, while the bicycle parking may need to be relocated, it will be included in the final proposal. In response to inquiry from Commr. Soll, the applicants clarified that the project will share downtown core parking, and pay in lieu fees for any deficits in parking. In response to inquiry from Chair Wynn, Dustin Pires clarified that the revised façade covers the existing arch in order to achieve a more modern style, but that the arch will be visible through front windows and from the inside. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Hileri Shand, SLO, noted concern about negative impacts, particularly noise and light, generated by proposed outdoor uses, upon neighboring residential uses. James Duenow, SLO, noted concern that an undesirable “modern industrial” motif is spreading throughout downtown. David Brodie read into the record public comment from Elliot Barenbaum, San Francisco, noting concern that the historical quality of structures in the City is eroding, diminishing the appeal for visitors. David Brodie, SLO, commented on the importance of focusing on design guidelines relating to compatibility with surroundings, and the City’s intent for the downtown core. James Lopes, SLO, requested that the Commission require the preservation of the existing façade; opined that the arch could be part of a modern design; noted that Community Design Guidelines prescribe a focus on compatibility. Trevor Miller, applicant representative, commented that the proposed design is intended to avoid the creation of faux historical façade. Draft ARC Minutes April 20, 2015 Page 3 Rodessa Newtown, applicant representative, stated that the design is compatible with some surrounding architectural styles; noted support from nearby business owners. Diane Duenow, SLO, opined that the style is more retro than ultra-modern, suggested that retaining the façade arch would add architectural interest. There were no further comments from the public. In response to public comment, Senior Planner Dunsmore clarified that a use permit for a pub has already been approved for the site; noted that the site is not located in a historical district. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Chair Wynn expressed lack of readiness to approve the project as presented; noted concern about scaling for the corner location and the “false front” character of the façade. Commr. Andreen commented on the importance of capturing the essence of the existing building; suggested the addition of awnings on the Pacific Street elevation to soft the design and impacts; expressed desire for project redesign. Commr. Root suggested that the massing could be retained, but with metal in place of stucco; spoke in support of the addition of awnings and more articulation. Commr. Nemcik spoke in support of the design; suggested that the parapets could be minimized in order to showcase the barrel roof. Commr. Soll expressed a desire to see the project redesigned; spoke in support for retaining the arched roofline, and eliminating the vertical metal siding. Vice-Chair Ehdaie noted support for the design in general. Eric Newton noted the potential difficulty in lowering parapet height due to the shall curvature of the underlying arch structure. There were no further comments from the Commission. On motion by Chair Wynn, seconded by Commr. Andreen, to continue the item to a date uncertain, with the following directional items: • Explore reducing the height of the corner parapet at Broad and Pacific Streets. • Explore ways in which to express the existing arched structural form in some manner on the building’s exterior. Draft ARC Minutes April 20, 2015 Page 4 • Explore alternatives to metal siding. • Explore the inclusion of bulkheads. • Explore the inclusion of awnings. • Explore ways to minimize negative impacts upon surrounding neighborhoods. AYES: Commrs. Andreen, Ehdaie, Nemcik, Root, Soll, Wynn NOES: None RECUSED: None ABSENT: Commr. Curtis The motion passed on a 6:0 vote. 3. 1921 Santa Barbara Avenue. ARCH-0521-2014; Review of a new building with four live/work units and a small commercial suite in the Railroad Historic District, with consideration of a mitigated negative declaration; C-S-H zone; Garcia Family Trust, applicant. On motion by Commr. Andreen, seconded by Commr. Root, to continue the item to May 4, 2015, to allow time for the Cultural Heritage Committee to review project modifications made to address potential impacts to cultural resources. AYES: Commrs. Andreen, Ehdaie, Nemcik, Root, Soll, Wynn NOES: None RECUSED: None ABSENT: Commr. Curtis The motion passed on a 6:0 vote. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 4. Staff: a. Agenda Forecast Senior Planner Dunsmore gave a forecast of upcoming agenda items. b. Architectural Review Commission Bylaws Review Senior Planner Dunsmore presented the staff report, recommending that the ARC review the bylaws to confirm that they accurately reflect current ARC procedures, and give directional items if desired. Draft ARC Minutes April 20, 2015 Page 5 There were no suggested revisions from the Commission. 5. Commission: None. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Erica Inderlied Recording Secretary